Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. Pasteurianus: A common infection caused by an unusual agent

Abstract

Background: Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus is a positive Gram stain, catalase negative coccus that belongs to the Lancefield group D. It is associated with clinical manifestations such as neonatal sepsis and meningitis. Case report: The case of a 2-month-old male patient with meningitis caused by S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus is described. Moreover, the symptoms, diagnosis, and management of the patient are discussed. Also, a review of the literature was conducted showing the sub-diagnosis of this agent as a cause of meningitis in pediatrics. Conclusions: This case represents the first detection of this agent in the National Children’s Hospital of Costa Rica, which is part of the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social.